mcauley



(No Model.) 2 Shets--Sheet 1. R. G. MOAULEY & L. B.']EULTON.

BOILEB. FEEDER.

vAnz. wk 5. Y o. L

Witwe/awo UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ROBERT-G. MCAULEY AND LOUIS B. FULTON, OF PITTSBURG, PENNSYLVA- NIA,ASSIGNORS TO THE OHAPLIN-FULTON MANUFACTURING COMPANY, OF SAME PLACE. 4

BOlLER-FEEDER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 549,877, dated November12, 1895.

Application filed August 24, 1895. Serial No. 560,428. (No model.)

To all whom t may concern: tion or supply pipe direct to the Water-sup-Be it known that we, ROBERT G. MOAULEY ply or water main, and a valvelocated in said and LOUIS B. FULTON, of Pittsburg, in the pipe is heldfirmly closed by the water-presscounty of Allegheny and State ofPennsylvaure when the injector is not in operation, but 5 5 5 nia, haveinvented certain new and useful Imis automatically unseated by thecreation of provements in Boiler-Feeders; and we do a vacuum in saidsuction-pipe when steam is vhereby declare the following to be afull,clear, admitted to said injector. This valve is gradand exactdescription of the invention, such as uated so as to control thequantity of water will enable others skilled in the art to which itadmitted to the supply-pipe, the admission of 6o 1o appertains to makeand use the same. Water being regulated by the suction in said Thisinvention contemplates certain new supply-pipe. In some instances, aswherea and useful improvements in boiler-feeders. pump or accumulator isused, it is desired to The principal obj ect of the invention is tomaintain a constant but variant feed-supply provide an automatic feederthe operation to the boiler, and for this purpose the pri- 65 15 ofwhich is controlled by the water inthe mary valve can be adjusted so asto limit its boiler, whereby it will be automatically set in j movementand prevent the full seating theremotion as soon as the water in theboiler falls of. A drain-valve in the suction-pipe bebelow the low-watermark and stops when the tween the feeder and the vvacuum-valve perpropersupply has been obtained. mits any water remaining in said pipe to es-7o 2o A further object is to provide a feeder all cape after the feederceases to operate. A

the parts of which will be Outside of the boilersteam-pipe leads fromthe water-column to shell, whereby access can be readily had theretheoperating-lever to effect the return of the to for the purpose ofrepairing, cleansing, and water therein to the water-column as soon asthe like and the movement of the operatingthe low-water mark is reached.The auxiliary 7 5 2 5 lever will be visible. and relief valves aresurrounded by inclosing A further object is to provide simple andcasings provided with apertures, so that the efficient means formaintaining a constant pressure will be direct against said valves butvariant supply to a boiler. and hold them firmly to their seats, thedown- A further object is to obtain ay graduated ward movements of thevalves being in the di- 8o 5o supply of water to the feeder. rection ofthe passage of the boiler-pressure. E, A further object is to simplifythe construc-` The invention will be hereinafter fully set tion andarrangement of the parts and insure forth, and particularly pointed outin the accuracy of operation. claims.

These objects we accomplish by connecting In the accompanying drawings,Figure l is 85 3 5 a water-column and an injector or pump or a view inperspective, parts being shown in other feeder to a boiler and twovalveswhich dotted lines. Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional are normally keptclosed by the boiler-pressview. Fig. 3 is a view on line 3 3, Fig. 2.ure,one of said valves being unseated byapiv- Fig. 4 is a horizontalsectional view on line otally-mounted operating-lever, which vlatter 44, Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a detail plan view, parts 9o 4o is hollow andcommunicates with the interior being omitted. Fig. 6 is a verticalsectional of the water-column and is raised and lowered view of theprimary valve. Fig.v 7 is a similar by the water andsteam therein. Theauxview of the vacuum-valve. Figs. 8, 9, and iliary valve being opened,the boiler-pressure 10 are sectional details thereof. Fig. 1l is aunseats the primary valve, allowing steam view in perspective of saidvalve. l Fig. l2 is 95 4 5 from the boiler to pass to the feeder. When asectional view of the auxiliary valve.

the proper supply of water is had to the boiler, Referring to thedrawings, A designates a l the enlarged end of the operating-lever isboiler, aportion of which is shown in outline; filled with water,causing the lever to tilt, d, a water-column, which may be located atand said end is emptied when the low-water any convenient point and isconnected at its 10o 5o mark in the boiler is reached. Vhen an inlowerend to the boiler by a pipe c', which j cctor is used, the sameisconnected by a sucopens therein below the water-line. Into the top ofthe column is screwed a water-pipe a2. In the column, near the topthereof, is a horizontal partition a3. A steam-pipe at, leading from thesteam-dome of the boiler, opens into the water-column immediatelybeneath this partition, and with one side of the latter is formed avertical right-angular partition a, which extends down into the columnbelow the danger-line w, so that its lower end will always be submergedin the water. This right-angular partition constitutes a continuation ofthe water-pipe a2. Into a central threaded opening in the partition a3are screwed the threaded ends of sections of a steam-pipe B, the lowerend of which latter extends to the low-water line w', while its upperend tits in and is inclosed by a depending hollow plug al of aT-coupling as, screwed on the top of water-pipe a2. Tithin thissteampipe is a smaller pipe D,which extends through plug a7 and isscrewed into a second hollow plug D. From the upper end of this plug D'a pipe D2 extends to a steam-whistle D3. The lower end of pipe D iscarried to the dangerline fw. Into the water column along thedanger-line 4w opens the lower end of a thermostatic copper pipe D1,which is connected at its upper end to the whistle D, the same beingdesigned to eitect the operation of the whistle when the water fallsbelow the danger-line.

The horizontal branch D5 of coupling as is exteriorly threaded toaccommodate a flanged nut D, which holds a ilanged ring D7 and packingDR within said branch, the same encircling a rotatable coupling-tube D9,on the projecting end of which is screwed a T-coupling C of anoperating-leverD. A skeleton-like yoke D10, having an inner ring D12,held by bolts D13 to lateral ilanges D14 of coupling as at its outerend, supports an adjustable screw D15, the inner rounded end of whichlits in a corresponding opening of coupling C and serves to support thelatter. In this way the operatinglever is free to move on its fulcrum,the coupling-tube D being held in coupling a steam and water tight. Thearm (l of lever D is made hollow and upon its outer end is a hollow ballor sphere df, while upon the other or solid arm (l2 is aeounterbalancing-weight cl3. From the hollow plug a7 extends acontinuation (ZX of steam-pipe B,which passes centrally through thehollow arm of the lever and'extends upwardly into the ball or sphere tonear the upper end thereof. Avent-valve d4 is connected to the top ofsaid ball or sphere. Then the boiler is filled, the water passes upthrough the water-passage formed by the right-angular partition a andthe pipe a2 through the hollow arm oi' the lever to the ball or sphere,entirely filling the latter, the air therein escaping through vent-valvedi and causing the lowering of that end of the lever as against theweight on the other end. IVhen, however, the water passes below thelow-water line w, and hence beyond the lower end of the steam-pipe B,steam will enter through said pipe to the ball or sphere and aid ineffecting the emptying thereof through the water-passage, and hence theraising of that end of the lever. rlhis will operate the mechanism forstarting the feed-supply. W'hen the ball or sphere is filled with water,the lever occupies an approximately-horizontal position; but whenemptied it is inclined. The movement of the lever in either direction.is limited by a stop, which is shown as consisting of an inclinedcross-bar E, attached to the lower member of yoke D10, saidcross-barhaving ianged ends e, with either one oi' which the leveralways contacts when at rest.

The yoke D10 has an upper transverse tubular portion e diametricallyabove cross-bar E, said tubular portion being preferably made integralwith the upper bar oi' said yoke. To the ends of this tubular portionare connected valve-casings e2 and e3, the former accommodating what wewill hereinafter term the auxiliary valve F and the latter a reliefvalvef. The stems f of these valves extend above and below the latter, theupper portions moving in removable plugs f2 and the lower portions beingextended down wardly beyond the casings, said lower portion of therelief-valve stem being slightly longer than that of the auxiliaryvalve. lith each of the plugs 72 is formed a cylindrical extension f3,having a series of holes f1 therein for the admission of pressure abovethe valves, so that it will bear directly down upon the latter andinsure the iirm seating thereof. The lower ends of these extensions litsnugly upon the valve-seats, and the downward movements of the valves totheir seats being in the direction of the passage of the boiler-pressurethe seating of said valves is insured.

To the casing of the auxiliary valve is coupled one end of a pipe f5,the other end of which opens into plug D above and near the upper end ofpipe D. In this way the boilerpressure is constantly exerted against theauxiliary valve and firmly holds the latter to its seat, save when actedupon by the operating-lever. The pipe D being of small diameter thewater in the column will under pressure rise therein and bear on theauxiliary valve; but when the water in the boiler and column reach thedanger-line steam will pass up through said pipe to the whistle, dre.

G designates an injector of any preferred construction; g,thesteam-supplypipe leading from the boiler to the inj eetor; g',the returnor delivery pipe; g2, the overflow, and g1l a suction or water-supplypipe, which is connected to a water main g or to any supply-tank. In thesteam-supply pipe is located the primary valve H, which is normally heldto its seat h in easing 7L by the boilerpressure. rllhe valve-rod 71,2is extended upwardly through the casing and is connected to a diaphragm7L in a chamber 7a4 of a skeleton-like extension of the valve-casing. Aspring h5, located ina hollow sleeve hX, depending from the bottom ICOIIO

of chamber 77,21, tends to constantly hold the valve against its seat.In some instances in using a pump or accumulator it is desirable toprevent the complete reseating of this valve, in order that a continuousbut variant feedsupply may be maintained. For this purpose we form theunder side of valve H with a hollow extension hXX, in which the iiangedend h6 of a screw-rod 717 is designed to be held by a removablescrew-plug 71,8. The rod hlhas an externally-threaded flange 71,9, whichengages an internally-threaded chamber h1@ of a lower plug 71.12 of thevalve-casing, a handwheel 71,13 on the lower end of said rod permittingof the easy adjustment thereof. By adjusting this rod the valve can beprevented from vreseating under the action of the diaphragm and acontinuous but variant supply to the boiler is had. Into the chamber 724above the diaphragm opens one end of a pipe t', the other end of whichopens centrally into the tubular portion e of yoke 7310. This pipe z',pipe f5, and tubular portion c constitute substantially one continuouspressure-pipe forming a passage between Vthe water-column and theprimary valve, withk the interposed auxiliary valve, or, in other..words, a direct communication is thus established between the interiorof theboiler (the water-column being to all intents and purposes a partthereof) and the chamber of the primary valve. The boiler-pressure isconstantly maintained in the pipe f5 and firmly holds the auxiliaryvalve to its seat-that is, when the ball or sphere of theoperating-lever is filled with water. l/Vhen, however, the supply in theboiler falls below the lower end of the steam-pipe B in thewater-column, the water in the ball -or sphere is immediately displacedby the steam entering therein and returns to the column through pipe a2.The raising of this end of the lever causes the unseating of theauxiliary valve and the firm seatin g of the relief-valve. The pressurethen passes from the tubular portion c through pipe t' to the chamber ofprimary valve H and acting upon the diaphragm will effect the unseatingof said primary valve. Steam will thus be permitted to pass from theboiler to the injector, or it may be a lfeed-pump orvaccumulator, andafter the proper quota of water has been supplied to the boiler the ballor sphere will be again filled with water and by thev tilting of theoperating-lever the auxiliary valve is immediately reseated and when thelever unseats the relief-valve pressure on the diaphragm of the primaryvalve is relieved, allowing the reseating of the latter and theconsequent cessation of the feeding operation,.

the valve being held firm to its seat, as before, by the boiler-pressureand the spring. Should the water-level reach the danger-line, 'steamwill pass up through pipes b l?? to the whistle and the copper pipebeing expanded a signal will be given. e

In connection with an injector we employ a vacuum-valve J which islocated in suction or water supply pipes g3. This valve is normally heldiirm against its seat j in casing j by the main pressure, and its rod3'2 is connected to a diaphragm 7'3 in an upper chamber f, the top ji ofthe casing having an air-inlet hole je therein. It is well known that instarting an injector' a vacuum is created in the suction or wat-erchamber as soon as the steam passes ,through the overflow. Hence thevacuum in the suction-pipe relieving the pressure beneath the diaphragm,the atmospheric pressure on the top thereof will cause the unseating ofvalve J, allowing the uninterrupted flow of water to the injector. Assoon as the latter ceases to work, destroying the vacuum in thesuction-pipe, the valve J is instantly reseated and so held by thewater-pressure. This vacuum-valve is graduatedthat is, it has ports ofdifferent lengths-so as to control the admission of Ywater to thesuction-pipe and make it commensurate with the suction therein. One

.side kof the valve is the firstV to admit water upon the unseating ofvsaid valve, and with -the three remaining sides at the lower ends oftheir ports are formed circular portions 7c 702 k3 of graded lengths orheights, so .that as the further the valve is opened the greater thequantity of water admitted through its ports. Each circular portion actslike a piston, and while in alignment with the hole in the valve-seatprevents water from passing through the port at that point. 1 If thepressure is or should become low and the suction in the pipe isincreased, the vacuum-valve will be opened until the necessary supply ishad. lf the demand is not so great and there is a high-pressure supply,the extent to which the valve is opened is not affected by the pressure,but controlled entirely by the suction in the suction-pipe. Adjoiningthis valve and between it and the injector is a small drain-valve jl'.The object of this valve is to permit any water remaining in thesuctionpipe to escape after the injector ceases to work. Should thiswater remain in the pipe and continue hot before the injector is againstarted, it would be impossible'to create a vacuum in said pipe and thusunseat the vacuum-valve, and hence we have provided this drain-valve fto permit of the escape of this water. An ordinary valve js may beoperated for entirely cutting oft the watersupply.

The advantages of our invention are apparent. It will be particularlynoted that all the working parts of our feeder are outside of theboiler, and hence access can be easily had thereto for the purpose ofcleansing, repairing, and the like. It will also be seen that the heightof the water in the boiler controls the movement of the operating-lever,and that the latter is itself operated by the water which enters thereinand is confined in the enlarged end thereof while the boiler is suppliedwith.the proper quota of water. 1f, however, for any cause the feeder isnot op- IOO IIO

IZO

erated at the proper time, a signal is given when the dan ger-line isreached. rlhe position of the lever relative to the auxiliary and reliefvalves insures the positive operation of the latter, and by forming thewater-column with the interior water passage-way the return of the waterto the column from the lever does not in any way interfere with thepassage of steam to the ball or sphere. rl`he lower end of saidpassage-way is always kept submerged. A feeder thus constructed isextremely simple and inexpensive, positive in operation, and not liableto readily get out of order or be deranged.

le claim as our inventionl. A boiler feeder connected with a boiler,primary and auxiliary valves located between the boiler and the feederan d both normally closed by the boiler pressure, and a hollow lever foroperating directly on said auxiliary valve and having a hollow enlargedend, said lever communicating with the interior of said boiler andoperated by the water therein, said primary valve being unseated whensaid auxiliary valve is acted upon by said lever, substantially as setforth.

2. A boiler feeder connected with a boiler, primary and auxiliary valveslocated between the boiler and the feeder both normally closed by theboiler pressure, a hollow lever for operating said auxiliary valve andhaving a hollow enlarged end provided with a vent-valve, a steam pipeopening into said hollow end, said lever and steam pipe communicatingwith the interior of the boiler, substantially as set forth.

3. A boiler feeder connected with a boiler, primary and auxiliary valveslocated between the boiler and the feeder and both normally closed bythe boiler pressure, a water-column opening into the boiler and having awaterpipe extending downwardly therein, a lever for operating saidauxiliary valve, said lever being hollow and communicating with saidwater-pipe to which it is pivotally connected, a ball or sphere on oneend of said lever provided wit-h a vent-valve, and a steam-pipe havingits inner end opening into said watercolunin and extending through saidcolumn and lever, and at its other end opening into said ball or sphere,substantially as set forth.

Il. A boiler feeder connected with a boiler, aprimary valve between saidfeeder and the boiler normally held to its seat by the boiler pressure,a diaphragm to which said valve is connected, a pressure-pipecommunicating with the interior of the boiler and opening into thecasing of said primary valve above said diaphragm, an auxiliary valve insaid pressure-pipe, and a hollow lever having a spherical end andcommunicating with the in terior of said boiler, said lever beingdesigned to operate said auxiliary valve, substantially as set forth.

5. A boiler feeder connected with a boiler, a valve between said feederand the boiler, normally held to its seat by the pressure in the latter,a pressure-pipe communicating with the interior of the boiler connectedto the casing of said valve, an. auxiliary valve located in saidpressure-pipe, and a hollow operating lever having a spherical end andconnnunicatin g with the interior of said boiler and designed to operatesaid auxiliary valve, whereby said primary valve will be operated, asset forth.

(i. A boiler feeder connected with a boiler, a valve between said feederand the boiler normally held to its seat by the boiler pressure, adiaphragm to which said valve is connected, a pressure-pipecommunicating with the interior of the boiler and opening into thecasing of said valve above said diaphragm, an auxiliary valve in saidpipe having a projecting rod, and a hollow lever having a spherical endand communicating with the interior of said boiler, said lever beinglocated beneath said auxiliary valve and designed to engage said rod,substantially as set forth.

7. The combination with a boiler, of a feeder, a pipe connecting saidfeeder to the boiler, a water-column opening into said boiler, a hollowoperating lever having an enlarged end, said lever communicating withthe interior of, and pivotally connected to, said water-column, thesteam-pipe leading from said water-column to. said enlarged end of saidlever, a primary-valve located in said connecting-pipe and normallyclosed by the boiler-pressure, the pressure-pipe leading from saidwater-column to the casing of said valve, and an auxiliary-valve locatedin said pressure-pipe and designed to be unseated by said lever, wherebysaid former valve will be unseated, substantially as set forth.

8. The combination with a boiler, of a feeder, a pipe connecting saidfeeder to the boiler, a water-column opening into said boiler, a hollowoperating lever having an enlarged end, said levercommunicating with theinterior of and pivotally connected to said water-column, the steam-pipeleading from said water-column to said enlarged end of said lever, aprimary-valve located in said connecting-pipe and normally closed by theboiler pressure, the pressure-pipe leading from said water column to thecasing of said valve, the relief valve located in said pressure-pipe, anauxiliary valve also located in said pressure-pipe, both said lattervalves being designed to be operated by said lever, substantially as setforth.

9. The combination with. a boiler, of a feeder, a pipe connecting saidfeeder to the boiler, a water-column opening into said boiler, a hollowoperating lever having an enlarged end, said lever communicating withthe interior of, and pivotally connected to, said water-column, thesteam-pipe leading to said enlarged end of said lever, a valve locatedin said connecting pipe normally closed by the boiler pressure, thepressure-pipe leading from said water-column to the casing of said valveand extending substantially par- IOO IIO

allel with and above said lever, a relief valve normally held to itsseat and located in said pressure-pipe, and an auxiliary-valve alsolocated in said pressure-pipe, said relief and auxiliary-valves havingdownwardly extended rods designed to be alternately engaged by saidlever, substantially as set forth.

10. A boiler feeder connected with a boiler, a primary-valve betweensaid feeder and the boiler and normally held toward its seat by theboiler-pressure, a pressure-pipe communicating with the interior of theboiler and connected to the casing of said valve, an auxiliary-valvelocated in said pressure-pipe, a hollow operating-lever having aspherical end and communicating with the interior of said boiler anddesigned to operate said auxiliaryvalve, and means for adjusting saidprimary-v valve whereby the reseating thereof will be prevented, as andfor the purpose set forth.

11. A boiler feeder connected with a boiler, a primary-valve betweensaid feeder and the boiler normally held toward its seat by theboiler-pressure, a diaphragm to .which said valve is connected, a springacting on said diaphragm, said valve having a lower hollow extension,and an adjustable-rod having one end fitted in said hollow extension, apressurepipe communicating with the interior of the boiler and connectedto the casing of 'said valve, an auxiliary-valve located in saidpressure-pipe, and a hollow operating lever having a spherical end andcommunicating with the interior of said boiler, and designed to operatesaid auxiliary-valve, substantially as set forth.

12. A boiler feeder connected with a boiler, means for supplying steamthereto, a suction or water-supply pipe opening into said feeder andconnected to the water-supply, and a graduated valve located in saidpipe and held firmly to its seat by said water-supply when said feederis not in operation, said valve being unseated when a vacuum is createdin said suction pipe when steam is admitted to said feeder and thelatter is operated, the extent to which said valve is unseated beingcontrolled by the suction in the water-supply pipe, as set forth.

13. A boiler feeder connected with a boiler, means for supplying steamthereto, a suction or water-supply pipe opening into said feeder andconnected to the water-supply, land a graduated valve located in saidpipe and held firmly to its seat by said water-supply when said feederis not in operation, a valve-casing having an opening therein, and adiaphragm to which said valve is connected, said valve being unseatedwhen a vacuum is created in said suction pipe when steam is admitted tosaid feeder and the latter is operated, the extent to which said valveis unseated being controlled by the suction in the water-supply pipe, asset forth.

14.. A boiler feeder connected with a boiler, means for supplying steamthereto, a suction or water-supply pipe opening into said feeder andconnected to the water-supply, and a valve located in said pipe having aseries of ports of different lengths, and normally held iirmly to itsseat by said water-supply when said feeder is not in operation, saidvalve being unseated when a vacuum is created in said suction-pipe whensteam is admitted to said feeder and the latter is operated, the extentto which said valve is unseated being controlled by the vsuction in thewater-supply pipe, as set forth. 1

15. A boiler feeder connected with a boiler, means for supplying steamthereto, a suction or water-supply pipe openin g into said feeder andconnected to the watersupply, and a valve located in said pipe having aseries of ports and curved portions of different lengths, and normallyheld firmly to its seat by said water-supply when said feeder is not inoperation, said valve being unseated when a vacuum is created in saidsuction-pipe when steam is admitted to said feeder and the latter isoperated, the extent to which said valve is unseated being controlled bythe suction in the water-supply pipe, as set forth.

16. A boiler feeder connected with a boiler7 means for supplying steamthereto, a suction pipe opening into said feeder and connected to thewater-supply, a valve designed to be automatically unseated when avacuum is created in the suction-pipe, and a valve in said pipe betweenthe feeder and said former valve to permit the escape of any waterremaining in said pipe after the feeder ceases to operate, substantiallyas set forth.

17. In a boiler feeder, the combination with a water-column and primaryand auxiliaryvalves,\of a hollow operating lever for operating saidauxiliary-valve communicating with said water-column, a yoke attached tosaid column and supporting said lever, and a stop for said leverextended in line therewith and with the ends of which stop said lever isdesigned to contact, as set forth.

18. In a boiler feeder, the combination with a water-column, of ahollow-operating-lever communicating with said water-column, aprimary-valve, a pressure-pipe leading from said water-column, to thecasing of said primary-valve, a yoke on said water-column pivotallysupporting said lever, said yoke having an upper tubular portion abovesaid lever forming part of said pressure-pipe, relief andauxiliary-valves located in said tubular portion and having dependingrods designed to be engaged by said lever, and a stop for said leverextended in line therewith and with which said lever is designed toengage, substantially as set forth.

19. In a boiler feeder, the combination with a water-column, anvoperating lever, and a primary-valve, of a press ure-pipe leading fromsaid water column to said primary valve, the auxiliary and relief valveslocated in said pressure pipe and designed to be forced to their seatsby the pressure therein, and the cylinders inclosing said latter valveshaving IOO IIO

holes or perforations therein above the valves, substantially as and forthe purpose set forth.

E20. rlhe combination with a boiler, of a Water-column opening therein,a hollow lever pivotally connected thereto and communicating therewith,and having an enlarged end, a

weight on the other end of said lever, a steampipe located in saidWater-col umn and leading to said enlarged end of said lever, a secondpipe located in said Water-column and having its inner end beneath theinnerend of said steam-pipe, a Whistle, or the like, with which saidsecond pipe communicates, a thermostat con neetin g said Water-column tosaid whistle,

a feeder, a pipe connecting the latter to the boiler, a priinaiy-valvelocated therein normally held to its seat by the boiler pressure, adiaphragm to which said valve is connected, a pressure-pipe leading fromsaid Water-ooh umn to the casing of said primary-Valve above' saiddiaphragm, auxiliary and relief-valves located in said pressure pipeabove said lever .and having downwardly projecting rods dc-v

